5 Fun Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer's

Having Alzheimer's disease does not mean that your loved one gets to miss out on exciting, senior-friendly activities. They can still do their beloved hobbies and try new things, as long as someone’s present to guide them.

In fact, studies suggest that seniors with Alzheimer’s need to stay in touch with their hobbies and healthy activities to keep their brain active and maintain its health.

Fortunately, most Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities do make sure that seniors have plenty of activities to occupy themselves during their free time. You can get some ideas from them or come up with your own. Just remember that activities should:

• Not endanger the senior and other people.
• Be simple enough that it requires little to no assistance.
• Be fun and engaging.

Below are five of the best engaging activities that will keep your loved one busy but thoroughly overjoyed and happy!

1. Arts and Crafts

Doing artsy stuff like painting can be a simple, relaxing, yet stimulating activity for seniors. It can also be a way for them to express themselves and stir their inner creativity. Remember to keep the activity simple by starting with watercolors or washable paints.

In addition, you can also let them dabble with some crafts like knitting with a simple pattern, scrapbooking, or cutting fabric.

2. Simple House Chores

The routine movements involved in cleaning and household chores can be therapeutic for seniors with dementia. So instead of leaving them for a while to do the laundry, why not let them join in? Some of the tasks that they can handle include:

• Washing plastic plates with soapy water.
• Folding clothes.
• Sorting the laundry.
• Sweeping the patio or vacuuming the living room.

These tasks keep them occupied, moving, and fulfilled since they contributed something to the family. This is why Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities also let their residents do simple chores to help them feel good.

3. Organizing Stuff

For seniors with a habit of organizing things, you can let them manage their sock drawer, the pantry, or office. Seeing things neatly organized can give them pleasure and satisfaction. Thus, allowing their minds to have a moment of bliss for the simple pleasure of tidying up a place.

4. Looking at Mementos and Photos

If your loved one wants a quiet activity, then you can let them look at their old photos or watch family videos; but only if they want to. Taking a trip down memory lane can stir their memory and help them remember some good moments in the past.

Alzheimer’s assisted living facilities sometimes do this as part of some of the resident's therapy sessions.

5. Skimming Picture Books

A senior who loves to read books may enjoy reading simple novels or being read to. If their condition does not permit this, they may also find joy in scanning picture books for older adults.

Make sure to bring them books made explicitly for Alzheimer’s patients. This way, they would not have a hard time reading it as most of it features senior-friendly text and paragraphs. Also, they are not too hard to read but not too simple like that of a children’s book.

Sabal Palms is an exceptional assisted living community in Florida. We provide 24x7 assisted living and memory care services to seniors. We have a team of experienced professionals in our senior living community.